At first read, “The adventure of a lifetime” sounds a bit dramatic, but after experiencing Nada and Nidra yogic techniques, one really feels as though they have been on an internal adventure. Yoga Nidra is an empowering practice that guides you towards living in the moment. Heather Eschuk led the ancient Nidra practice, which was complimented by Mike Nichols’ chimes, crystal and Tibetan singing bowls.

The practice began with a beautiful sea of Oms. In a hot room full of so many voices, it was a lovely sound and a nice opportunity to explore the sound of your own Om without judgment. Before class began, Mike advised students that some people can find the sound of the bowls a bit intense; and that participants are welcome to cover their ears or lie on their side. He and Heather also mentioned that students are welcome to move during the Yoga Nidra if they feel the need, which was nice to know.

Mike began the class with a few Yin poses – Caterpillar, pigeon, a little self-jaw-massage, some supported bridge pose and gentle twists – to the sound of the bowls, which helped to bring the attention deep into the body. After this, Heather began to pilot us through the Yoga Nidra experience, which took about 50 minutes. Everybody spent most of the Yoga Nidra in a physical Savasana. Towards the end, as students became more awake and restless, we were encouraged to practice some gentle postures.

Towards the end of the practice, Heather summed up the experience of Yoga Nidra perfectly by calling it: “presence in your own innate wellbeing.”